Sadly, Kevin Costner will not return in Yellowstone season 5, part 2, but John Dutton III’s absence may actually result in a better finale as seen in HBO’s critically acclaimed show in 2024. After an unexpected lengthy delay, the release date for the final episodes of Yellowstone has finally been set for November 2024. Hampered by external and internal factors, one of, if not the biggest conversations regarding the end of the Taylor Sheridan-created project was whether Costner would return as the Dutton patriarch. Now, that debate can finally be laid to rest after the Oscar-winning actor ruled it out.

For context, Costner left in the middle of Yellowstone season 5 due to his conflict with Sheridan. A key reason for their feud lies in the scheduling of the show’s filming schedule. That snowballed into bigger things that led to the actor abruptly leaving the project. This put the whole show in limbo, considering that not only is Costner’s most recognizable member of Yellowstone’s cast, but he also plays its primary protagonist. Understandably, there are concerns about what John’s absence means to the show’s ending, but if done right, losing the Dutton patriarch may result in a better finale.

Succession Proves That John Dutton’s Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Absence Sets Up A Better Finale
The Roys Lost Logan Early On In The Final Succession Season

Sheridan can look into the Succession final season on how to approach Yellowstone season 5, part 2. While they have very different backdrops, they’re the same at their core — a complicated family trying to deal with their legacy and dynamics. Logan Roy died in Succession season 4, episode 3, “Connor’s Wedding,” leaving the show with its final 7 episodes without the Waystar RoyCo. leader. While Logan brought chaos to the family, his absence brought a different and worse kind of turmoil because Connor, Kendall, Shiv, and Roman were operating without his influence, making for a ​​​​better Succession finale.

Yellowstone season 5, part 1 ended with Beth and Jamie out to kill each other following years of resentment. While John may be leaning on his daughter’s side, he may be the only person who can stop the siblings from going to full-blown war with her. Without his presence, Yellowstone season 5, part 2 could showcase Jamie and Beth at their most ruthless. Losing their father at the height of their feud throws a curveball into their current dynamic. Admittedly, this may end with another Dutton family tragedy, but it allows for a more intense and unexpected Yellowstone sendoff.

How Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Finale Should Handle John’s Absence
A Time Jump Between Yellowstone Season 5, Parts 1 and 2 May Be Necessary

Considering how important the ranch is to him, it would be hard to believe that John would willingly leave it, especially with Beth and Jamie going out at each other’s throats. As sad as it is, the only believable reason to explain the Dutton patriarch’s absence is if he’s dead. How he passes away is up to Sheridan, but a time jump in between parts 1 and 2 allows Yellowstone to not dwell on it but focus on its fallout. This also helps the series efficiently address Costner’s absence, which is important, given the limited episodes left in its run.